PCT AG-IP 11.049 How can international publication be prevented?

11.049. How can international publication be prevented? The applicant may prevent international publication by withdrawing the international application, provided that the applicant submits a notice of withdrawal and that the notice of withdrawal reaches the International Bureau before the completion of technical preparations for that publication (see paragraph 9.013). The notice of withdrawal may state that the withdrawal is to be effective only on the condition that international publication can still be prevented. In such a case the withdrawal is not effective if this condition cannot be met  that is, if the technical preparations for international publication have already been completed. The same effect may possibly be achieved if, for example through non-payment of the applicable fees, the international application is considered withdrawn and the receiving Office so declares (Form PCT/RO/117). Issuance of this declaration by the receiving Office alone, however, will not prevent international publication unless the declaration is also received by the International Bureau before completion of technical preparations for international publication (Rule 29.1(v)).

International publication may be postponed by withdrawing the priority claim as outlined in paragraphs 11.050 and 11.057.